Candidates running for the 47th District state House seat would have two different approaches to office if elected Nov. 4.

Republican Hank Vaupel and Democrat Jordan Genso are vying to replace incumbent Republican Cindy Denby, who is ineligible to seek re-election due to term limits. The House seat is a two-year term that pays a base annual salary of $71,685.

Vaupel hopes to continue what he considers to be Denby's "outstanding," "thoughtful" and "very conservative" job in Lansing. Vaupel, a veterinarian, Handy Township supervisor and former small-business owner, said the incumbent "has not rushed through with new pieces of legislation."

"Let's slow down the pieces of legislation and try to enforce the laws that we have," he said.

Vaupel said his first priority in taking office would be to make sure government is the "right size" and has the "right amount of regulation" for the benefit of businesses. His No. 1 goal is to create more jobs, by examining the state's tax structure.

"It has to be fair for everybody and everything — businesses and citizens," he said.

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Democrat Jordan Genso(Photo: GILLIS BENEDICT/DAILY PRESS & ARGUS)

Genso, former chairman of the Livingston County Democratic Party, said his top priority, if elected, would be remedying what he calls "unsustainable trends," like the state's road infrastructure, shrinking middle class and climate change.

"The roads are falling apart and affect so many parts of our lives," he said. "They should have been a priority months ago — or a year ago."

Genso, a Realtor from Marion Township, would like to see revenue for roads be generated from a "shared sacrifice" that doesn't exclude the wealthy. He supports raising property taxes or the state income tax from 4.25 percent to 5 percent for the task, and calls Republicans' past proposals of increasing the gas tax or registration fees "absurd."

Vaupel would not support such a measure, but he didn't provide a specific remedy when asked. Before doing so, he'd be in favor of developing a "comprehensive plan" to fix the roads to identify funding sources.

Regarding climate change, Genso would like to first of all see legislators "face the reality" that it's not a conspiracy. He would like to see the businesses responsible for emitting greenhouse gases to assume the fiscal responsibility for its consequences, instead of shifting it onto the public.

Vaupel said we first "have to understand what's causing the trends in climate change before we make any drastic changes in new laws and more restricting laws going forward."

Genso, who once identified with the Republican Party, said his eyes were opened when attending the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. He, along with other students, were told their priority should be looking out for the best interests of their business.

"I don't fault them for that; it's what they should be teaching," he said. "But somebody needs to be looking out for the best interests of the people."

Exchanging ideas

Both Vaupel and Genso said they're in favor of exchanging ideas with those from their opposing parties, but Genso is taking issue with Vaupel's unwillingness to engage in a public debate, rather than candidate forums.

"I've been in six forums so far," Vaupel said. "I believe my thoughts and ideas are out there, and people can understand my stances."

Libertarian Rodger Young, who is also vying for the seat, did not return messages seeking comment from the Daily Press & Argus.

Vaupel has provided nearly $72,000 of his campaign contributions himself, according to Department of State campaign statement records. Genso's campaign budget isn't planned to exceed $2,000, while Young hadn't filed any campaign contributions with the state as of Monday.

Education: Doctorate in veterinary medicine from Michigan State University

Profession: Veterinarian

Age: 70

Relevant experience: Current Handy Township supervisor, Fowlerville Downtown Development Authority secretary, Fowlerville Local Development Finance Authority member, Fowlerville Area Fire Authority board member, church council president at St. John's Lutheran Church, former Handy Township trustee, former Handy Township Planning Commission member, former Livingston County Economic Development Council member, former Michigan State University-Livingston County Extension Advisory Council member, former member of the Farm Bureau's Equine Advisory Council, former Fowlerville Community Schools trustee, former Iosco Township Planning Commission member, former director of Michigan Harness Horseman's Association, former director of the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association, former chair of the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association Legislative Advisory Committee, and former chair and member of Michigan State Board of Veterinary Medicine

Community service: Past chairman of Fowlerville-based Family Impact Center's Run for the Impact 5K